Wish You Were Here

The Wishing Tree #3

by Kay Bratt

Wishes in branches tied with string. Someone's hopes. Another's dreams.


Henry Harmon has been married more than sixty years to his bigger-than-life and talk-of-the-town wife, Greta, when he begins to see signs of a problem. When her diagnosis comes to light, he struggles to keep his oath of in sickness and health, and to do it alone.

On the other side of their small town is Neva Cabot, who many years ago put her own mental health first when she cut friendship ties with Greta. But Neva is the kindest of kind and has been the face of hospitality for their town for decades. Even so, it will take some soul-searching for her to be able to step up and help walk Henry through the hardest days of his life.

Janie Stallard and her two daughters have just moved in to the old Johnson's house when they can't make the next rent and will be forced to move out. Neva offers Janie a job and her family a safe haven while they figure out what they want to do, and Neva tries to figure out why they are really there.

Join Kay Bratt as she brings the latest book in the Wishing Tree series alive, featuring Neva Cabot, the owner of the Wishing Tree Inn and the Curator of Wishes.

Genres: Fiction, Womens Fiction

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2022

About the author

Writer, Rescuer, Wanderer


Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.


Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian. 


Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.

In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.


As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.


Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. 
For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.


Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry and his wife Greta have been married for 60 years. She has dementia and he is taking care of her by himself and refuses any help that is offered by friends in Linden Falls. Greta and Neva used to be friends but cut ties with each other years earlier. She decides that helping with Greta is more important that holding on to long term bad feelings. During the same time, Neva hires help for her B&B - Janie and her two daughters. She knows that they have a secret but is happy with their help and their friendship and offers them a permanent place to stay.

Neva is the character that ties all the books in the series together. She is a well written believable character who cares about the town and the people who live there.

[Joanna Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming series this is so far. The first book I have read by Kay Bratt but I really don't think it will be my last. An incredibly emotive and tough subject written so beautifully, shows the strength found in friendship, love and community. Perfect characters and again the perfect setting of Linden Falls. Loved every bit of this book.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful testament to friendship!
Neva Cabot is the keeper of the Inn in Linden Falls, and has, by default become Keeper of the Wishes hung on the Wishing Tree in the centre of the town. A calm and centred person, she quietly goes about her business, yet has a sixth sense about what someone may need, at any time.
Henry Harmon is struggling with his wife, Greta's decline due to Alzheimer's. But he knows she's a proud woman, and he keeps the struggle of trying to care for her, to himself.
Neva, Henry and Greta have an age old bond that was severed, yet, somehow they overcome a huge hurdle in order for Neva to reach out to her long estranged friends to help them.
She takes in Janie and her two daughters, a family that moved into a ramshackle property in the town not long ago, on the pretext of needing a housekeeper. But, there is something else, Janie is hiding.
Having constant company, and two wonderful girls to keep her on her feet, fills Neva with so much joy, it is a wonder to behold. Caley and Breeze are unique young ladies in their own right.
But, ultimately, like I mentioned at the beginning, this is a story of age-old friendship, and how it can be fractured, but equally, it shines a light on how that same friendship can be mended, and take on a different shape.
And I have to say that there are the two starring roles of Myster and his feline ladyfriend, to add to the fun!
Another wonderful addition to the series. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish You Were Here by Kay Bratt is book 3 of The Wishing Tree Series. It is an awesome installment to this wonderful series. These books although by different authors have all the feels. I love this series. I know I am a real sucker for down to earth stories. They don’t have to be love stories. They can be family stories or like these stories of friendship and community. This has a senior love story in it but, it really does revolve around love of community and friends.

Henry Harmon is the husband of Greta who is the talk of the town. Neva was an old friend and she owns the local Inn. This book and series is brimming with wonderful characters that we would all love to live near and be friends with. It is easy to fall into the stories and feel like you are a part of what is going on and that you know these folks. Again, you’ve heard me say many times, that I love small towns so these stories are right up my alley.

When you sit down with these books you will want a comfy chair, snuggly clothes, a snack and something to drink because you aren’t going to want to leave their world until you are done with that book. Then you will be looking for the next one to jump right back in again. There are 13 total books so you won’t want to do anything else until they are done. I promise you these people live in the world I grew up in. It is comfortable, easy going and everyone cares about their neighbor. It is a dream come true to visit Linden Falls.

[Serena Soape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the series is just as great as the others. The characters are wonderful and you will fall in love with the characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.

[Julia Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking to fall in love with an entire town, this is the book for you! This is a book in a series written by different amazing authors. The book also works as a standalone story. This particular book reminds us of the importance of standing by your friends through difficult times, kindness to others, and being open to new possibilities. Loved it!

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish you were here by Kay Bratt (The Wishing Tree Series Number 3)


I loved the first two books in this series, and was a little apprehensive as to whether I would like book 3, but I needn't have worried - I enjoyed it just as much as the previous two.


Harry and Greta Harman have been married more than 60 years, and always lived in Linden Falls. Greta was always a larger than life character, who loved nothing more than to organise parties and events for the town. You learn, early on, that there has been a falling out between Greta and Neva Cabot, the keeper of the wishes on the special tree and the local Innkeeper.


When Greta develops Altzheimers, can Neva put her upset aside to help Greta, the way she helps all the other townspeople?


Alongside this story, a mother and two daughters arrive in Linden Falls - Janie and her daughter's Carly and Breeze. No one knows why they arrived in Linden Falls, but Neva feels compelled to help them - giving Janie a job at the Inn, and some accommodation. Janie and the girls are just the help Neva needs at a very difficult time of her life


This is a very quick read, but immensely satisfying. Watching the mysterious Neva who seems to instinctively know what everyone needs before they know themselves. Harry's trauma watching his once independent wife succumb to Altzheimers. Proud Janie accepting a job to keep her children and finding out that she really enjoys it, and giving her daughter Carly a way to shine with her amazing culinary skills. I couldn't rate it highly enough.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish You Were Here by Kay Bratt is the third book in The Wishing Tree series. Henry Harmon has been married to his bigger-than-life, talk-of-the-town wife, Greta, for more than sixty years. He began to notice differences in her behavior, when her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s comes to light, he struggles to care for her as he promised to “in sickness and in health.” But he is determined to do it alone. However, Neva Cabot won’t let Henry care for Greta alone. Even though many years she cut her friendship ties with Greta and Henry, she can’t bring herself to let Henry struggle alone. After some soul-searching, she walks in and helps Henry find ways to deal with Greta’s mood swings and slips in time. At the same time, Janie Stallard moves into town with a secret. Neva offers her a job and a place to stay at her inn. As Neva helps care for Greta, she tries to figure out why Janie is in Linden Falls.
Wish You Were Here is another great addition to The Wishing Tree series. Kay Bratt handles the aspects of Alzheimer’s beautifully. My grandmother had Alzheimer’s before she passed away and I saw her in Greta. The slips in time, the conversations with invisible people, and even looking for people who have been long gone. Even the heartbreaking realization when Greta has a moment of clarity, knowing it wouldn’t last. I wanted to reach through the book and give Neva a big hug. Even though her heart broke many years ago, she still wanted to help. I loved the methods that Neva uses to help Greta. Janie’s story is interesting. We know she’s hiding something. Is she running from something or someone? The shocking reveal of why she is in Linden Falls was one I did not expect. I am looking forward to hearing about her story in future books. I highly recommend Wish You Were Here as well as the first two books in the series.

Wish You Were Here is available in paperback and eBook

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Neva Cabot is the Linden Falls quiet but powerful voice. She is aware that Henry Harmon is exhausted with the care he is trying to provide his wife who is suffering from dementia.

Neva knows both Henry (a past beau) and his wife Greta with whom she shares history. Despite those feelings, she feels it’s time Henry had some much-needed support.

Neva has also come to the aid of Janie and her two daughters, hiring her as a housekeeper so she can provide a roof over their heads. In the meantime, the girls are becoming acquainted with Greta, who delights in telling the girls about the different countries she and Henry visited.

I was enjoying the simple and poignant narrative at times touching close to home. There are a couple pets that lighten somewhat the heavy atmosphere. Neva is a great main character, empathetic and caring. Henry is very sympathetic. I could also identify with Janie (although I wondered how authentic her girls could be) and going into the conclusion felt my heart clutch.

Then—that little bombshell at the climax. What a twist! Sweet, if not wholly credible. I’m sure there are many readers who can relate to the characters and situations and I have to give the author credit for providing that satisfying final zinger.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author through a promo that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts. 4.5 stars

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this bittersweet Wishing Tree installment, Linden Fall's innkeeper and Wishing Tree curator, Neva sets out to help others. With an uncanny ability to find or intuit something that will be needed before she knows its purpose or who it is for, Neva follows a wish and a fairy door left at the Wishing tree to a new family in town. Offering Janie and her daughters, Carley and Breeze, an opportunity, Neva hopes to continue to learn more about them and what brough them to Linden Falls. At the same time, Neva reaches out to estranged friends Henry and Greta, who are trying to cope alone with Greta's declining health and worsening dementia. This is a beautiful and heartfelt story about found family and love overcoming suffering and alienation, which brings together generations from youths to senior.

This book builds on the Linden Falls community readers were introduced to in the previous book, but those characters only have peripheral roles in this story. However, rather than a conclusion to this story, the epilogue serves as a diverging and enticing cliffhanger hook into the next book in the series (which will be taken up by another author), with a follow up author note by Bratt that comments on her characters' futures. This was a little jarring, and it may have worked better had the epilogue followed Wish You Were Here 's characters into a segue to the next individual story. That criticism aside, the main story itself was beautifully written.

So far, this is a terrific series offering wholesome feel-good stories with likable characters and good writing. I'm looking forward to spending more time in Liden Falls!

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poignant story of long-time friendships that touched my heart right from the start. Neva and Greta had been best friends all their lives until the summer Greta married Henry.

Many years have gone by, and Neva is now the owner of the Wishing Tree Inn and the self-appointed protector of the wishes that are placed on the wishing tree when there is inclement weather. Greta is in the final stages of her life, with Henry as her main caregiver.

In the small town of Linden Falls, Vermont, everyone knows each other and is there when there is a need. Over the years the relationship between Henry, Greta and Neva was complicated and most often they avoided any type of conversation with one another. Neva decided the time had come to put all that aside and offer Henry help in caring for Greta.

This is a beautiful, heartwarming story of what can happen when hurt feelings are set aside, and forgiveness takes it's place. To find the extra time to spend with Greta, Neva hires Jamie to help her at the Inn. Jamie comes with her two daughters who also get involved in helping at the Inn. As this beautiful, touching story unfolds, much of the town gets involved in one final, fabulous party that is the vision of Greta.

This is book #3 in The Wishing Tree series. Each one could be read as a standalone, however, you'd miss the intriguing, heartwarming stories of some of the other residents of Linden Falls, who make an appearance in some of the other books.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

WISH YOU WERE HERE is the third book in THE WISHING TREE series written by different authors and set in the same locale in Vermont with the same characters flitting in and out. This is Greta and Henry's story and we learn of their life and how they are coping now that they are older and Greta is ill.

This is a touching story with lots of emotions as Greta has some unexpected peace towards the end of her life. Neva, owner of the inn, was best friends with Greta growing up but that's all in the past due to a wrong done to her. We learn their story a little at a time and it was heartwarming as well as heartwrenching. When Neva steps up to help Greta in her time of need and give Henry a break every day there were hints of the friendship they once shared. There is a depth to the characters and lots of secrets.

There were poignant moments especially with Janie and her daughters who are staying on the inn property and Janie has her own secrets of why she's in town. There are twists and turns to the story along with sadness, illness, memories, lots of food, hard work, tempers and of course, wishes. There is a good flow to the story and a well-portrayed closure that was enlightening. I enjoyed revisiting with some of the characters we've met previously. The epilogue seems to bring us to the next book in the series which I'm looking forward to reading.

Ms. Bratt is a new to me author. I've only read two of her books so far but have added a few more to my TBR pile.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in The Wishing Tree series. Each book in this series is written by a different author. This one by Kay Bratt pulled me in immediately, just as the previous ones did. It has such a feel good storyline. Henry is trying to care for his wife of 60 years, Greta, who is battling with dementia. Greta has her good days and bad days, as you would expect. Neva runs the local Inn, and has known Greta since they were kids. She comes by to try and give Henry a break, as he feels so helpless as he just wishes he could have his old Greta back, with her sassy wit and spunk that she had before this illness.
Neva also has a young woman and her young daughters helping her with the cooking and cleaning at the inn, which helps lighten her load while she tries to help Henry with Greta.
The town of Linden Falls will make you fall in love with all these characters! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3, in the Wishing Tree Series, by Kay Bratt, hit home for me, as I watched Greta and her progression with Alzheimer's. Or, was it Henry I was watching and connecting with, as a caregiver. The ultimate goodness of Neva Cabot from The Wishing Tree Inn touched my heart. Greta, Henry and Neva had a past (that has yet to unfold, I hope!!!).

That goodness was not limited to Greta and Henry, as Neva extended herself to a mother and her two daughters who had just come to town. Living in "not the best" conditions, had Neva inviting them to stay at the inn. It was a win-win relationship from the git-go. And, as with all of the people in Linden Falls, there was a connection revealed here, too!

This story made me think, "Was it possible (for these characters) to love two people at once?" And, I hope to see, that indeed it IS!

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Wishing Tree series by multiple authors. This one was written by Kay Bratt. It the stories of Janie Stallard and her two daughters and Henry and Greta Harmon. Janie recently moved to town and needs to pick up some work to pay their rent. Neva Cabot, always wanting to help others, offer her a job and a place to stay while Janie figures her next step out. Greta Harmon is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s and Henry is needing more help. Neva offers even though they haven’t been friends for years. This story was heartwarming and sad at the same time. I found myself smiling at times and tearing up at the end. It was such an incredible tale. I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. And I hope there might be more to read about Janie, the girls and their relationship with Neva.

[Karen Derr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

The third book in The Wishing Tree series was fabulous! I can't say enough about this book. It has all the feels. You get to meet Neva who owns the inn, and Henry and Greta her friends. This story deals with dementia. This was dear to my heart since I lost my mother to Alzheimer's and Kay really hits all the feels with her interpretation of this disease. I just wish I had thought to do all the wonderful things that Neva did for her friend Greta in the throes of this disease. Neva is a kind and true friend. I laughed and cried throughout this book. Bravo Kay Bratt for a wonderful story of great friends and what path their lives took and how together they dealt with this disease! What a beautiful little town this is!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neva runs a B&B in Linden Falls and is the self-appointed caretaker of the Wishing Tree. She is also a very caring person who tries to help whoever needs it. Although you don’t know the full story behind how her once-best friend Greta stole her boyfriend Henry decades ago, when Greta faces the end of her life due to dementia and cancer, it is Neva who is there to lend a hand. Woven into the story are Janie and her daughters Carly and Breezy who move into a cottage on Neva’s property, work for Neva, have their own secrets and become important to her. This is a story of people with real-life problems and not a fairy tale everything works out ending. It is a book that makes you really think about real life events.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the story of Neva, Greta and Henry. They had been best friends until Greta married Henry. Neva now runs the local inn and cares for the wishes left on the Wishing Tree. Henry is dealing with Greta’s rapid decline with very limited help. Neva steps up to help Henry and puts their differences in the past. She has some help at the inn with Janie and her two daughters. They seem to have secrets, but Neva doesn’t pry. These characters are all special and endearing. I am already looking forward to the next book!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3, Wish You Were Here, in the Wishing Tree series is such a wonderful story that provokes so many emotions. It has hurt and pain, sacrifice, happiness and forgiveness. It has enjoyable and well developed characters too. If you have read books 1 and 2, then you’ll meet Cabot again, the keeper of the Inn of Linden Falls VT, and get to know her a little bit better. One of the most important points from this story to me was that it’s never too late to make amends and ask forgiveness. I feel that any reader will find something to relate to in this one.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me hard in two places, I’ve been the long term care giver for a spouse and I’ve had three instances of dealing with immediate family members affected by Alzheimer’s, stroke or dementia. My grandmother, mother-in-law and mother had various forms of this cruel theft of the mind. Kay Bratt has done a marvelous job of telling it like it is and giving some glimpses along the way of what keeps caregivers going. Actually Neva gives some good tips for those having to deal with these situations. I have loved this series and this is an excellent addition. I can’t wait for the next book in this series and for another book by Kay Bratt.

[Jeanne Chepko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read is the Wishing Tree series. Neva is taking on new help for the Inn that includes Janie and her two delightful girls that adds mystery to the story. Neva is also confronted with her former best friend suffering from dementia, being cared for solely by her husband. Can she handle dealing with her past, sickness, people's hopes and dreams and her own secret desires.
This one tugs at your heart, and keeps you wanting the best for Neva.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks Kay Bratt! Ready for book four!

[Edi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a series but is easily read as a standalone. The characters in this book all seem to have obstacles to overcome within themselves to find their place and their own happiness. Take a journey into this quaint town and go along with them as they each have a story to tell. The cover gives an excellent blurb, so I'll not repeat or give spoilers. Read and enjoy this book! I was provided an advanced reader copy but was under no obligation to review this book. The opinions stated are my own. Many thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book.

[Anne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I read enjoyed this book. Set in a small town in Vermont the setting can't be anything but beautiful. The story focuses on few people within the community, all facing life struggles and they work together to find their way through. Long lost relatives, health, and cognitive issues bind this story together, making it a real page turner. It's a sweet, clean read you can read anywhere. This series is proving to be compelling, I can't wait to see what else will happen and who will be the next focal point.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story that is full of emotions. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. This book is a tender heartwarming story that will break your heart yet give you hope all at the same time. It's not a light fluffy read, it stays in your mind long after you turn the last page.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Julia Burk-dunahoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series!

Kay Bratt!! I went into "Wish" knowing each book in the series was written by a different author and I was all in after seeing the lineup. BUT.... This!!! You've outdone yourself. I loved how you carried on from the last book but were able to make this unique to you. The character development is well crafted and the storyline was lovely. I would highly recommend this

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series. I am really enjoying this. I loved Wish you were here because I dealt with Dementia with my father in law and everything that Kay wrote about with Henry and his wife Greta with Dementia is so true. My mother in law didn't want any help and wanted to be his caregiver. This is such a sweet and compationate story and very relateable. I love these stories and can't wait to read the next one.

[Tania Boege · Rating 5 out of 5]

so grateful for this book

What a wonderful book.. makes you realize what is important in life, family, friends and children. The love of a wonderful man and the closeness and caring of a good friend, nothing more in life can bring you happiness like those that love you. This book makes the important things in life so clear. I laughed and cried reading this do yourself a favour and read this book..it will stay with you always!

[Kamber Derosier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. I think Neva will be a central character going forward as she is the keeper of the wishes. I loved her caretaker role in this book. It reminds me a bit of the author, Kay Bratt. Greta’s struggle with Dementia is heartbreaking and the fact that Neva offers to help even with their past issues really helps you understand where Neva’s heart is. I would recommend giving this one a try.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly touching read. I interact with senior citizens on a daily basis and have seen the mental decline in several. Wish You Were Here is a loving, tender read that is very uplifting and hopeful at the same time. An excellent multi generation application of memory care and the plight of the caregivers.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Annette Rorke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3, Wish You Were Here, by Kay Pratt, in the Wishing Trees series, is a delightful book which introduces more new characters Janie and her two daughters, to Linden Falls, Vermont.
It has new adventures, new family, some finding
themselves, old love, death and letting go of your past. I give it 5 stars!